Non-recent offences and the investigation process #TellSomeone

FORCEWIDE

Last week we launched our Tell Someone campaign, centred around encouraging victims of sexual abuse to tell someone about what happened to them and seek support.

At the centre of the campaign is Jamie, a sexual abuse survivor who has waived her legal right to anonymity to share her story on film and support other victims in speaking out.  

In a 12 minute video, Jamie talks about her experience as well as the process once she reported the offences to the police.

The video also features DC Emma Andrew from our Child Sexual Exploitation Team who was the Officer in Charge of Jamie’s case and helped bring Jamie’s abuser to justice.

Throughout the month of September, we are sharing a series of feature articles to support the video, shining a light on the process once a sexual offence is reported and the support available for survivors of these traumatic crimes.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Clough (pictured below), from Humberside Police’s Protecting Vulnerable People Unit, leads the teams who investigate crimes of this nature.



He said: “If you’ve suffered from sexual abuse, I hope that Jamie’s story helps you feel confident to tell someone about what happened to you.

“Whether that is a friend, a family member, a colleague, a professional or the police – please tell someone.

“If and when you feel ready to talk to the police, please be reassured that you will be listened to, you will be believed and you will be supported.

“Once you make that report, a specially trained detective will be allocated your case and will take charge of the investigation.

“They will make contact with you to arrange a face to face meet up where they will listen to your story and talk you through the options and next steps.

“The detective will also carry out an initial risk assessment to establish if the suspect poses any wider risk to the public (taking into consideration things like if they have access to children or are in a position of trust) and where needed appropriate measures will be taken to minimise that risk and keep people safe.

“As the investigation progresses, detectives will work hard to gather all available evidence to eventually present to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

“If the offence was within the last few days the evidential gathering process will likely include forensic evidence alongside other forms, but if it was non-recent then it will be centred more on disclosures to other people, messages on devices and other available lines of enquiry.

“Just because an offence happened months or even years ago, doesn’t mean that we won’t investigate it fully and do everything we can to put offenders before the courts.

“There are ways that we can gather evidence of a non-recent offence, even if it happened 50 or more years ago, and we will work relentlessly to do so.

“Whilst we cannot guarantee a case will make it to court, we do have plenty that do, as was the case with Jamie’s abuser who last year was jailed for 24 years. If you never report it, you never know how far it could go.

“Though for some victims, even just making that initial call is enough and getting the support from my teams and from partners is enough, and that’s okay too.

“Every case is entirely unique, and we treat it as such, making sure that we are working closely with the victim and their support workers throughout the process. 

“It is important to say as well, that at any point in that process if the victim is uncomfortable or it all feels too much for them, they can say so and we will stop the investigation.

“But because that initial call has come in and they have started something, we can pick that investigation back up again at any time if they decide they want to do so.

“There are a whole host of incredible charities and organisations that we work with to ensure that the correct support is in place.

“Each victim is given the option of an ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) who is separate from the force but will be available to go through the journey with the victim.

“They can offer advice and guidance about the reporting process, be there for you throughout the investigation and with you at court, they can offer advice about health, wellbeing, and rights, and can also help you access other support services available.

“You can request an ISVA through some of the support agencies, or we can help make sure you are allocated one if you do decide to report directly to us.

“Finally, I just wanted to thank both Jamie and DC Emma Andrew for the part they have played in this campaign. They are both truly inspirational and I am sure there will be other victims out there who feel more confident in talking about their experiences as a result.”

For more information about the Tell Someone Campaign, including the full video, as well as how to seek support and report sexual offences to us, please visit our dedicated campaign page.